The purpose of the Transportation Department of Searcy Public Schools is to provide the safest and most efficient transportation possible for those students who are to be transported between their homes and schools. This process is the responsibility of the entire community and requires the cooperation of all students, parents, school personnel, and citizens who drive on the streets in the presence of school buses.Eligibility to Ride Bus: To be eligible to ride a bus, students must ride a bus a minimum of two miles from their stop to their school.

Students and parents are asked to read these regulations carefully. They must be followed if we are to provide safe and efficient transportation for the students of this district.

Bus Regulations

Meeting the Bus:

1. Be at the bus stop at the scheduled time. Stand back about ten feet from the bus stop and wait until the door is opened before moving closer to the bus. Do not play on the highway or road. If you miss the bus, do not attempt to hitch a ride or walk to or from school. Discuss with your parents what action you should take if you miss the bus.2. Try to be on the proper side of the road to wait on the bus. If you should arrive at the stop just as the bus approaches, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and the driver has signaled for you to cross in front of the bus. (Unless the driver directs you differently.)

Entering & Leaving the Bus:

1. While loading or unloading, enter or leave the bus in an orderly fashion.2. Students who cross the road after leaving the bus in the afternoon must go to a point on the shoulder of the road ten feet in front of the bus. Cross the road only after the driver has signaled you to do so.3. Do not enter or leave the bus by the back door except in case of an emergency or unless directed to do so by the driver.

Riding the Bus:

1. While riding the bus, students are under the supervision of the driver and must obey the driver at all times. Discipline problems will be handled by the building Principal. The Principal or Transportation Director has the authority to temporarily suspend a student from riding the bus.2. Students are not to distract the attention of their driver or disturb other riders on the bus. Keep your hands to yourself and be reasonably quiet.3. Band instruments and bags can be carried on the bus only if they do not occupy the space needed for another student to be seated.4. Do not ask the driver to let you off the bus any place except your regular stop. (Exceptions must have prior written approval from the building Principal.)

Actions Not Permitted on the Bus:

1. Any items that are not permitted at school are not allowed on the bus.2. Students are not to tamper with any of the safety devices such as door latches, fire extinguishers, etc.3. Students must keep seated while the bus is in motion and should remain seated when it stops until the driver directs them to exit.Students are not to put their hands, arms, heads, or bodies out the window. Do not yell at anyone outside the bus.4. Students are not to deface the bus or any school property. Do not write on the bus or damage the seats, etc. Do not throw paper, food, or other objects on the floor of the bus. Do not eat on the bus. Keep the aisle of bus clear from books, lunches, coats, etc. Do not put feet in the aisles.5. Act 729 of 1977 of the State Legislature makes it illegal to smoke on school buses. The penalty for violating this law is a fine ranging from $10 to $100. (Students are not to have tobacco products in theirpossession.)6. Act 814 of 1977 makes it unlawful to threaten, curse or use abusive language to a school bus driver in the presence of students in this state. Any person who violates the ACT shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of no less that $25 nor more than $100.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

1. In an emergency, students should remain calm and quiet and listen for instructions from the bus driver. If the driver is unable to conduct emergency measures, students should follow the procedures below in leaving the bus.2. If the exit is through the front door, students sitting in the front seat behind the driver will move out first, followed by those in the front seat on the passenger side and proceeding in this manner until all seats are emptied.3. If the exit is through the rear emergency door, students sitting in the rear seat on the driver's side will move out first, followed by those in the rear seat on the passenger side and proceeding in this manner until all seats are emptied.4. If a rapid exit is necessary and it is possible to exit from both doors, students in the rear half of the bus should move out the back door and those in the front half should move out the front door.5. In the event of an accident resulting in injury, persons injured should only be moved under the supervision of the bus driver/adult, medical personnel, or other authorities.6. After students exit the bus, they are to move immediately off the roadway to a safe distance from traffic. They should NOT cross the road unless instructed by the driver.7. In the event of a tornado or other natural disaster, students should follow the instructions of the bus driver regarding emergency procedures.